kernel

noun

ker·​nel ˈkər-nᵊl 

1

: the inner softer part of a seed, fruit stone, or nut

… as brown in hue as hazelnuts, and sweeter than the kernels.

—William Shakespeare

2

: a whole seed of a cereal

a kernel of corn

3

: a central or essential part : germ

Like many stereotypes … this one too contains some kernels of truth.

—S. M. Lyman

4

chiefly dialectal : a fruit seed

5

mathematics : a subset of the elements of one set (such as a group) that a function (such as a homomorphism) maps onto an identity element of another set

Synonyms of kernel

• root
• core
• essence
• heart

Examples of kernel in a Sentence

There's not a kernel of truth in what they say.

the kernel of your argument seems to be the inevitability of human migration into space

Recent Examples on the Web

Also known as wheat kernels, wheat berries are encased in husks zipped along the tops of stalks and removed in a process known as threshing. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026

The kernels are so juicy and just burst in your mouth. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2026

Maintainers of the Linux kernel have seen a similar change in the quality of bug reports. —Huo Jingnan, NPR, 11 Apr. 2026

Convenience aside, the formula blends tapioca starch and oat-kernel flour for double-duty scalp soothing and oil absorption, with aloe-leaf juice for hair hydration. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English cyrnel, diminutive of corn

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing kernel

• pine kernel

Rhymes for kernel

• colonel
• journal
• sternal
• vernal
• diurnal
• eternal
• external
• fraternal
• infernal
• internal
• maternal
• nocturnal

Kids Definition

kernel

noun

ker·​nel ˈkərn-ᵊl 

1

a

: the inner softer part of a seed, fruit stone, or nut

b

: a whole grain or seed of a cereal (as wheat or corn)

2

: a central or basic part

a kernel of truth in what they say